Life and politics from the Sunshine State's best city

New York Jets

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a new back-up quarterback. By signing Ryan Fitzpatrick to a one-year, $3 million deal (plus incentives), Tampa Bay fills the void left by Mike Glennon’s departure to the Chicago Bears. The good news is the Bucs are free from a problem that faces other franchises from time-to-time when training camps begin. The words “quarterback controversy” will not be spoken or written when training camp begins in two months. Unless a pre-season injury says otherwise, Jameis…

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers agreed to terms Friday on a one-year contract with quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick as a veteran backup to Jameis Winston. Fitzpatrick spent the last two seasons with the New York Jets, who allowed the quarterback’s contract to expire in February, making him a free agent. The Buccaneers also announced that they waived quarterback Sean Renfree to make room for Fitzpatrick. Financial terms were not immediately available. ESPN and NFL Network reported that the one-year deal is worth…

The second and third rounds of of the NFL Draft on Friday night saw plenty of action for players from Florida universities. It took two rounds and 41 picks, but Dalvin Cook has finally found an NFL home. The Minnesota Vikings traded up with the Cincinnati Bengals to acquire Florida State’s all-time leading rusher. “We started making some calls once we knew he was sliding into the second day,” said Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman. “We felt he was just…

As the calendar turns the page to a new year on Sunday, a familiar face will be back at quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. Former Florida State star EJ Manuel will lead his team against the New York Jets in the season finale for both teams. While starter Tyrod Taylor is officially being “benched,” the move is being described as a “business decision,” by sources close to the Bills. Taylor would be owed more than $27 million in guaranteed payments…

For the first time since 2008 the Miami Dolphins will finish the regular season with a winning record. That welcome development was assured after the Dolphins drubbed the New York Jets 34-13 in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Saturday night. By improving their record to 9-5, Miami also stayed in the playoff hunt in the AFC. The Jets made a game of it for a half, trailing only 13-10 at intermission, but Miami put up three touchdowns in the third…

Special teams giveth. Special teams taketh away. That clearly summarizes Sunday’s game between the Miami Dolphins and the New York Jets. When the clock ticked down to zero, the Dolphins had a 27-23 victory. Successful teams can score, and win, many different ways. In addition to generating scoring drives, the good teams take advantage of turnovers and opportunities. Both teams did this, but it was Miami who had the last chance and the last laugh. With Miami ahead 20-16 and…

To those currently on the Miami Dolphins coaching staff, here is a suggestion for increasing job security; either beat the New York Jets or put up a better struggle while losing. For the second time this season, Miami was humbled by the Jets and for the second time, heads rolled. New York bombed the Dolphins, 38-20 on Sunday and on Monday, the team fired offensive coordinator Bill Lazor. On October 4, Miami looked totally uncompetitive and was humbled by New…